Many waters cannot quench love

My mind cannot hold the magnitude of what has happened in Japan. Earthquake. Tsunami. Radiation leak. Each of these is a tragedy difficult to imagine. Taken together, they are horror beyond imagining.

There is so little most of us can do. But we can contribute money; Episcopal Relief and Development and Doctors Without Borders are just two of the many wonderful organizations already on the ground in Japan. I lift my hands in prayer for those who are lost, for those who are hurt, for those who are afraid, for those who are alone, and for those who are on their way to help. 

More than 2500 years ago, the psalmist cried:

Save me, O God,

for the waters have risen up to my neck.

I am sinking in deep mire,

and there is no firm ground for my feet.

I have come into deep waters,

and the torrent washes over me.

I have grown weary with my crying;

my throat is inflamed;

my eyes have failed from looking for my God.

In your great mercy, O God,

answer me with your unfailing help.

Save me from the mire; do not let me sink;

let me be rescued from those who hate me

and out of the seep waters.

Let not the torrent of waters wash over me,

neither let the deep swallow me up;

do not let the Pit shut its mouth upon me.

Answer me, O Lord, for your love is kind;

in your great compassion, turn to me.

Ps. 69:1-4, 15-18

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer